ebonyessencebookshelf's reviews
203 reviews

The Surgeon by Leslie Wolfe

emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

This was interesting. The overall theme of the story made me want to read it. For some reason the synopsis gave off like the story would be going in a different direction. 

I read this with other people and we all were confused for the longest until about chapter 10. We were like “what’s going on? Who are these other people? Where is this story going?” It took a minute to get there and i almost dnf. Also i ended up skipping chapters 27-30. Thankfully the chapters were also titled because i definitely feel from the end of chapter 26 jumping straight to chapter 31 “Name” was perfect. I felt like i didn’t miss anything in those other chapters. The other people skipped around chapters too. So the fact we could do that and still get the plot says a lot. 

When the plot twist came i wasn’t shocked or wowed but it was a nice touch. I think i was over it by then and the story could’ve been shorter. I really didn’t care for the mane characters but i did feel for the little girl. That particular part of the story surrounding what happened to the child and foster homes system is very important. 

I would say after the first two chapters jump to 9 and you should be good to go. 

Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Read the hardcover along with listening to the audio. 

“Because even if i die tomorrow, i want to haunt these halls long after I'm gone. I want the Remingtons to remember me. Witness me. Never be free of me.”

The pace of the book was good. As well as Adina being the fmc. Overall i enjoyed the book but chapter 32 really brought the story to life for me with the twist. I truly wish what happened in that chapter started a lot sooner. No body and especially no little boy is worth throwing your life away before you actually get to live it. I also enjoyed Saint. Thought she was dope and loved the bond with Adina. Now Penthesilea surprised me. She was smooth, knew what was up and came with it. 

This story showed how some people with MONEY money can have their way with others as a game and never get in trouble until someone is brave enough to flip the script. We all know those kind of people would never participate in such dealing. They’re simply too scared but love to judge from the sidelines looking down on people with have less than and are desperate. I feel Joelle explained that perfectly in this book. Can’t wait to see what she’ll have coming now with two books under her belt. 

No One But You: A Bodyguard Romance by Mycah Edwards

adventurous hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Overall i liked it. The kidnapping with the bodyguard to the rescue to save Juju, fmc, because her family has dealings she knows nothing of was a nice storyline. The story did draw me in right away but somewhere it fell flat. I don’t recall the book being an insta love. Which i don’t have an issue with because any thing done well will give you what you need. Maybe i needed just a little more build up between them since they were going to be hiding for a while. Anyways I liked them both and their povs. Some of the conversations they were having and the willingness to open up to each other was beautiful. The spice was hitting for sure too. 

Dear Vicky by Octavia Grant

challenging dark informative tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Like Octavia what did you just have me reading? I couldn't put this down. Andrew is too off his rocker and i was here to enjoy this craziness. Didn't even read the synopsis and jumping right in was a good choice. Every time you turned around it got more crazier. My jaw was dropped. Then when I found out the facts I was even more shocked. Can't wait to read more.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I went into this not reading the synopsis and throughly enjoyed the ride. Talk about a book so heartwarming yet heartbreaking at the same time. Rufus and Mateo’s whole day was full of adventure, learning, loving and more. Everyday for all of us should be like that. Learning about Mateo’s father really hurt. All the interactions and crossings of path gives how “it’s really a small world” and i liked it. Everyone is going through something and just trying to make it. This was a beautiful story to me. The whole Death-Cast calls are wild and really get you to thinking. Would you want to know? If so, what would you do with that time?

Favorite Quotes:

“No matter when it happens we all have our endings. No one goes on but what we leave behind keeps us alive for someone else.”

“Find your people and to treat each day like a lifetime.”

“Entire lives aren’t lessons but there are lessons in lives. You may be born into a family but you walk into friendships. Some you discover you should put behind you. Others are worth every risk.”

Colliding With Fate by A.E. Valdez

emotional funny hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Read the paperback along with the audio. 

A. E. Valdez you ma’am better write your book! I loved everything about this story. Kyrell and Quinn are absolutely adorable and steamy. No this may not be a “friends to lovers”. However, A. E. writes these growing friendships and bonds with so much emotion and hopefulness. You’re right there with them like watching a movie but on paper. 

I love me some Kyrell and to see what he made of his life from what he had to deal with as a child was absolutely outstanding. The hurt, trauma, reopening of wounds to heal them, and finally knowing what love is was a journey. I would take the ride all over again. Kyrell’s growth is one for the books. Even Quinn had her own dealings with her parents and especially that mother’s of her. Being a daughter to a mother that wants you to play second fiddle to a man is demoralizing. Quinn never lost who she was and kept pushing. Became her own woman and such a sweet soul. I could go on about this book. Read it. 

Loved: 

-Yvette got what she deserved. 

-The Mother. 

-The go kart scene. 

-Camping trip. 

-The restaurant/triple date. Lmao!!!

-The motorcycle ride and so much more. 

Favorite Quotes:

 “People can still hurt you even if you expect nothing from them.”

“An angel like you has no business tempting a devil like me. I will ruin you and not feel bad about it.”

“Sometimes all we need is a little light to shine through the cracks to make a difference.”

“Do you believe in fate?”” She asks, pulling up her shorts. I pull her back down to lie on top of my chest. I didn’t until an angel crashed into me.”

“She’s who i see everything with. She is everything. My everything.”

Backshot Ready: CUM SLIDE UP IN IT by India T Norfleet, India T Norfleet

adventurous funny hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This ride was wild and i enjoyed it. Can’t wait to get through the rest of the series. 

First things first I didn’t find Judah to be rude. Any female he dealt with and allowed whatever from him is their business. Also they’re all consenting adults. Second off Dutch doesn’t get any passes because the way she played little games with him was dumb and childish. Judah is definitely better than me because i would have been done with her after that blocking stuff. This is how some people lose a good person trying to see how far they can play with one’s heart. I’m happy Judah pulled a her on Dutch because she needed to see what it felt like. Don’t let people just play with you. Have some self respect and boundaries put in place for your protection. Noah was wrong and right. I would do whatever to protect my sister from an a**hole. 

Now these two for sure had the spice down packed. I mean flaming hot Cheetos LOL. I loved their friendship as far as them being there for one another. Them knowing each other’s spots when needing to get away and supporting one another’s businesses. I feel like they were more lusting for one another. Especially Judah. Wish we could have seen more dates but on the same hand the SPICE. Judah knew what he was doing so that ending was perfect. 

Everyone's Thinking It by Aleema Omotoni

emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

“When the person you want to comfort you the most, it’s the reason you’re in need of comforting”

Listened to the audio while following along in the book. 

Overall i really enjoyed this book. There is a mystery that needs to be solved with the polaroids. However, to me the book is not so much the “mystery” but so much more about being black at a pwi. How the cousins see themselves and also the kids/friends they interact with. Their day to day feelings with school, micro aggressions, family and more. 

I buddy read this and we felt it also gave coming of age. For me especially with one of the fmc Kitan. There is a lot to unpack with her story when coming to this school and friend group she’s in. Very pleased to see her grow. Her and Iyanu’s conversation was one of favorite moments. As well as the moment that Iyanu had with her little sister. Black girls black women your Crown is beautiful and so are you. 

Now if i was basing this of “mystery” alone it’s very much lite work for people. Especially for those of us that love mystery/thrillers but good for people that want to ease a step into this genre. Now if i was going off it being a mystery alone i would probably have given it a 2.5 - 3. Now with the twist at who actually done it I truly did not see coming. 

All or Nothing by C. Monet

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

If you want some quick and spicy about a young lady discovering herself from the ways she’s was brought up then check this out. Kavi is a church girl and now wants to spread her wings and them legs LOL. Meeting Tue aka the bad boy gives her the permission to do so. 

I liked that Kavi realized and waited until she felt ready to go for it. She was a little aggravating though. The spice was for sure nice. Her friends are dope and have her back. Tue falling the “good girl” is so cute. I enjoyed the background we got about him as well. The twist at the end made me do a double take. Can’t wait to try another book from this author. 

Red Roses and Regrets by Dandridge Monroe

adventurous funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Yacouna is definitely THAT GUY!! He plays no game and gets to business. Even with the handsome darkness to him he still has a loving side. I love how he was with Jasmine after everything. Now as far as goes Jasmine i like her. Glad she didn’t let that lame (David) try to little girl her after his mess was put out on front street. We all know that some family members ain’t ish and then there are others that will step with and for you. That was for sure displayed in this read. From beginning to end the story was moving. 

I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and meet the other characters.